Structure of the cumulus oophorus at the time of fertilization.

Ultrastructural and morphometric techniques were employed to examine the ovulated cumulus oophorus of hamsters and rats. Observations on cumuli prepared in a variety of ways including different chemical fixation techniques and cryofixation freeze substitution were compared. It was concluded that the cumulus mucus is not arranged in lamellae or granules as has previously been suggested but is composed of molecules which form very fine filaments when properly fixed. Morphometric analysis of cumuli fixed either in situ or after being explanted into medium revealed that the distance between neighboring cumulus cells was greater with increasing distance from the oocyte. Morphometry revealed that, when placed into medium, the cumulus expands possibly due to hydration. Thus physiological experiments carried out on cumuli should be performed very shortly after cumuli are isolated. From their ultrastructure cumulus cells appear to be actively involved in protein synthesis and secretion as well as steroid production.